Page 61 of Headed for Home

“Hey, Mac and Cheese!” I rub their backs. “You’re the entertainment I’ve been waiting for.”

A twinkle shines in the little girl’s hazel gaze. “Can we turn you into a scarecrow?”

“Absolutely.”

“Yay!”

The synchronized cheer blasts to the rafters. They race to a nearby bale and begin plucking. It doesn’t take long before they’ve gathered fistfuls, waving the straw in victory while speeding back to me. I kneel on the ground and bend my arms in the standard position. Kenzie shoves hay under my sleeves while Charlie decorates my collar. Alfalfa and laughter buzz in the air. Once their stock is depleted, they rush to collect more. This cycle continues until I’m ready to be propped in the field.

I chuckle as stray bits of straw and dirt skitter down my back. “Have you done this before?”

“Nope,” Kenzie chirps while sprinkling my hat. Her auburn pigtails sway from the movement. “Mommy doesn’t like hay on her skin.”

I can understand why seeing as mine already itches. But it’s too late. I’ve already committed to the role.

The clop of hooves echoes from the opposite end of the barn. Cassidy falters at the sight of me. “How long was I gone?”

“Rake is a scarecrow,” Charlie announces.

“I can see that.” She ties the horses to the front of two stalls, looping the ropes in a strange knot. “He’s supposed to have his first riding lesson but I guess we’ll reschedule.”

“What can I say?” Dried grass and debris rain off me as I rise to my feet. “I got stuffed for a change.”

“How does it feel?”

I wipe at my prickly nape. “Uncomfortable.”

“You don’t have to agree to everything they ask,” she reminds me.

“Eh, this was an easy decision. I need to shower anyway.”

Her gaze roves over me. “They’re taking advantage of your inexperience.”

“Meh, what’s the worst that can happen?”

Cassidy’s eyes widen. “You should never ask that.”

Kenzie sticks out her bottom lip. “Why can’t Pinkie Pie get his lesson?”

“You already taught him one. He’s turned into a scarecrow. They’re packed with straw and not so many brains. He might fall off.”

The little girl blinks at her mom before glancing at me. “Just hold onto the horn. Really super tight, m’kay?”

“I won’t let go.” My fingers curl as if already getting a grip.

Kenzie’s focus returns to Cassidy. “See? He’s listening.”

“Shocking.” The snarky redhead winks at me.

“We wanna ride too,” her daughter adds.

“Uh-huh,” Charlie chimes in.

“Should I get Snowball or can you take turns riding Fire?”

There’s no hesitation in the kids’ reply. “We can share.”

“That’s probably best. Not sure what state I’d find Drake in if I leave again.”

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